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6 fatalities

Lockheed L-414 Hudson accident at Fua'amotu, Tonga, 25 Jul 1942 (NZ2028)

Fua'amotu, TongaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 25, 1942, a Lockheed L-414 Hudson (registration NZ2028) operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF was involved in an aviation accident near Fua'amotu, Tonga during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is probable that pilots suffered a loss of situational awareness during an approach completed in low visibility due to bad weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

It is probable that pilots suffered a loss of situational awareness during an approach completed in low visibility due to bad weather conditions.

— the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A) Determination

Accident narrative

The twin engine airplane departed Nausori Airport at 0919LT on a special flight to Fua'amotu, Tonga. On board were two passengers and four crew members. While descending to Fua'amotu, the pilot encountered poor visibility due to bad weather conditions. Control was lost and the airplane crashed into the sea some 16 km offshore. Despite extensive search, authorities did not find any trace of the aircraft nor the six occupants. On board was Major General Owen Herbert Mead aged 50, who was flying to Tonga to proceed to a final inspection. He was the highest-ranking officer of the New Zealand Military Forces to be killed on active service. Crew (4th Squadron): F/O Donald Anderson, F/O Clive Ibbotson, Sgt Roland Wybourne, LAC Arthur Clayton. Passengers: Major General Owen Herbert Mead, Lt John Leslie.

Probable cause (official findings): It is probable that pilots suffered a loss of situational awareness during an approach completed in low visibility due to bad weather conditions.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 1942 Lockheed L-414 Hudson accident near Fua'amotu, Tonga?

The twin engine airplane departed Nausori Airport at 0919LT on a special flight to Fua'amotu, Tonga. On board were two passengers and four crew members. While descending to Fua'amotu, the pilot encountered poor visibility due to bad weather conditions. Control was lost and the airplane crashed into the sea some 16 km…

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jul 1942 Lockheed L-414 Hudson accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 1942 involved a Lockheed L-414 Hudson, registration NZ2028, operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF, at Fua'amotu, Tonga.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is probable that pilots suffered a loss of situational awareness during an approach completed in low visibility due to bad weather conditions.

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